Our Vic top weight for Hennessy
David Pipe’s eight-year-old would have to give 15lb to the next horse on the list, Philip Hobbs’ Betfred Cup winner Lacdoudal.
Pipe also has Joaaci (10st 5lb) and Puntal (9s 3lb) as well as Paddy Power possibles Bannow Strand (9st 5lb), Vodka Bleu (9st 3lb) and Commercial Flyer (9st 13lb).
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls appears to hold a strong hand with Royal & SunAlliance Chase winner Star De Mohaison (10st 7lb) and Charlie Hall runner-up Neptune Collonges (10st 6lb) on attractive marks.
Evan Williams confirmed easy Aintree winner State Of Play is also on target and will carry 10st.
Montgermont (9st 12lb) could bid to give owner John Taylor his second Hennessy after Gingembre took the prize following the disqualification of Be My Royal in 2002.
Montgermont was trained by Taylor’s wife Lavinia last season but is now in the care of Charlie Egerton.
meanwhile, Nicky Henderson’s admirable chaser Fondmort is still fighting for his life after fracturing his pelvis in a routine gallop yesterday morning.
The 10-year-old is suffering from internal bleeding and is currently in the care of the RVG Valley Equine Hospital in Lambourn.
“He had a wobbly time this afternoon but he’s stabilised better again this evening,” said Henderson.
“We’ve all been up to see him but it’s going to be a long night, and a long few days as well, I fear.
“Everybody’s behind him and he’s in safe hands.”
